Michael Woodford’s Post

In Valby Bakke, Copenhagen, Denmark, the Carlsberg Central Office is designed around a central open atrium. The atrium space is meant to be a communal space, that brings together the different wings of the building, and overlooks the original Carlsberg founders’ garden. The buildings design is indicative of this garden which has rolling hills. The architects incorporated this into the building via tiered rooftops adorned with green spaces on the rooves. The landscape surrounding the project and throughout it, have a strong connection with nature, which, is seen through lush gardens, reflection ponds, and fountains. The building itself put sustainabile initiatives at the heart of its design, using recycled copper for the facade of the building, bamboo floors throughout the interior spaces, accented by wood paneled walls. The building is powered by solar panels, with the interior mechanical systems being low-energy ventilation. Solar shading inside and outside, help to reduce thermal heat absorption. Water saving fixtures inside the property, and rainwater collection, filtration, and redistribution systems outside, help reduce the property’s carbon footprint. No matter the size, location, historical significance, sustainable building practices can be implemented anywhere. We’re all in this together #sustainabledesign #sustainablearchitecture #sustainability #copenhagen #denmark #renewable #renewableenergy #adaptivereuse #urbanplanning #urbandesign #landscapearchitecture #landscapedesign #sustainableconstruction #recycledmaterials #reducereuserecycle

Our winning submission for a major mixed-use retrofit job in the European Quarter in Brussels, Belgium, beating UK and international competition was covered in the Architects’ Journal this morning https://lnkd.in/epRG_6jD As reported, 0ur winning scheme was born out of a deeply collaborative approach and spirit with Belgian practice a2o, VELD and landscape architects TN PLUS to overhaul L’ilot 130, an office complex near the European Commission, which will transform around 100,000m2 of office space into upgraded workplaces, homes, and community facilities. Real estate fund Whitewood and developer #Cityforward said the winning scheme prioritised ‘sustainability and circularity, focusing on opening up the ground floor, adding green spaces, and improving water management, carbon footprint, and energy efficiency’. Whitewood business development director Christophe le Polain told the AJ that the winning scheme was ‘an ambitious project that aligns perfectly with our expectations, values, and those of the authorities.’ He added: 'Their ability to design a large-scale project within a short timeframe, adhering to key principles of circularity and sustainability, demonstrates both their expertise and commitment to a more responsible future. ‘This project integrates high-quality residential components essential to the neighbourhood while providing office spaces that meet current market demands with optimal energy performance. We look forward to bringing this collaboration to life and continuing our work together on the detailed design of this landmark project.’ The competition brief had called for the complex’s ground floor to be opened up while ‘greening’ the building’s interior and delivering a building with around 70 per cent offices, 25 per cent housing, and 5 per cent facilities space. Morris + Company was shortlisted along with UK firms Caruso St John Architects, in a team with Bovenbouw Architectuur and Kollektif Landscape, and Maccreanor Lavington working with Dutch firm Popma ter Steege Architecten. The other finalists included: ArtBuild Architects with 3XN and Delva; Juurlink [+] Geluk, Urbanism and Landscape Design, Geluk and V8; and OZ architect with Stijlgroep Landscape & Urban Design. Almost an entire block long, L’ilot 130 it is one of 21 European Commission buildings tipped for redevelopment as part of a masterplan by Brussels-based practice Plusoffice Architects, which includes ‘sustainable buildings’ and the introduction of housing. #Architecture #Sustainability #EuropeanQuarter #Innovation #ILOBuilding #Brussels #EcoUrban #Whitewood #EuropeanDistrict #ILOT130 #EuropeanQuarter #VilleDeBrussells

Effective space separation is essential for every office plan. Today’s office requires flexibility. Look for a partition wall system that not only creates a physical divide but also integrates seamlessly with the existing architecture. It should, therefore, provide functional adaptability—allowing teams to interact or focus separately, depending on their dynamic work requirements, without sacrificing aesthetic appeal or acoustic privacy. #interiordesign #commercialrenovation #officefurniture #officeinteriors #jadeworks #partitionwalls

The KDS Head Office, located in Nasirabad Industrial Area, Chattogram, exemplifies the harmony between functionality and aesthetic sophistication. Designed with a vision to embody the client’s commitment to nation-building and sustainability, this ongoing project is a testament to innovative architectural thinking. From its conceptual phase, the design was guided by principles of modernity, transparency, and contextual sensitivity. The structure stands as a bold yet unpretentious landmark, blending greenery, fluid spatial planning, and honest materiality to create an environment that is professional yet welcoming. Adjacent to an existing factory, the building acts as a threshold between the industrial and public spheres, offering green terraces, a rooftop respite, and a pedestrian plaza that serve users and visitors alike. With careful attention to energy efficiency, the facade design and wire-mesh greenery reduce heat gain while filtering pollutants, ensuring environmental sustainability. Every aspect of the design—from dual access points catering to diverse users, to the seamless connection of open spaces—has been thoughtfully planned to enhance usability, comfort, and a sense of belonging for its occupants. This project aspires not only to meet functional needs but also to make a memorable urban statement that complements its surroundings without overwhelming them. It is architecture that reflects ambition, respect for context, and the promise of innovation. #Architecture #Sustainability #UrbanDesign #WeaversStudio #KDSHeadOffice #InnovativeDesign #Chattogram

Vacant office spaces are often discussed in the context of converting them into residential or mixed used buildings. However, there's an increase in demand for lab-based research facilities and office conversions can address this need. Read this article to see how two office buildings successfully converted to laboratory spaces in Maryland: https://hubs.la/Q02vNdfQ0 #officeconversions #laboratories #architecture #architectureanddesign #labdesign #interiordesign #interiorarchitecture #labplanning #createwithfundermax #sustainablelabs #sustainabledesign #sustainablematerials #morethanapanel

Looking ahead into 2025 and the exciting possibilities for the future of design! I am thrilled to be featured in AZ Business Leaders AZ Big Media, where I had the chance to share insights on the trends shaping design in the coming year. From the integration of AI in design processes to creating more inclusive and human-centric spaces, the future is all about pushing boundaries and redefining how we connect through the built environment. Design is evolving, and I’m inspired by the opportunities to leverage technology and creativity to meet the needs of our diverse communities. Check out the article for a glimpse into the trends driving our industry forward. Here’s to designing for a better tomorrow! #FutureOfDesign #AIinArchitecture #InclusiveDesign #AZBusinessLeaders #Corgan

I love good design and a thoughtful use of space. I was so excited to see this project announced. This office tower originally designed by Norman Foster will be given new life as a mixed use tower designed by KPF. The repurposed building will house entertainment spaces, workspaces, retail, and homes. Congratulations to the project team on such a transformative vision. It seems since the pandemic, everybody has had something to say about how to repurpose empty office stock but I’ve seen few tangible projects. This is likely because it is a very complex technical and economic undertaking. A lot has to happen behind the scenes to make the building “work” for its new uses. Here are a few challenges from a noise and vibration perspective: - Floor “bounce” - commercial buildings often have lightweight floors that are flexible and can have some perceptible vibration when occupants move around. This may be acceptable for an office use, but imagine feeling your apartment floor move every time your neighbor walks by. - Building sway - all buildings move in the wind. Tall commercial buildings can move a lot. I’ve spent the 100s of hours helping stop “creaks” in a residential tower that swayed more than expected. I’ve heard these same noises in commercial buildings which are fine based on the occupancy, but could become a major problem if the space is used as a residence instead of office. - The noise isolation between floors may not be high enough. What works for general office use may not work for apartments, and particularly when you have entertainment or retail above or below apartments. - Building infrastructure isn’t typically designed to the same noise standard. Elevators, mechanical shafts, etc, could all be noisy when compared to a quiet residence. What’s amazing to me is that this is a relatively “new” tower, originally completed in 2002. I’m eagerly awaiting to see what buildings will undergo a similar transformation in NYC. The engineering nerd in me would love to take a crack at modeling the dynamics of the cantilevered structure at the top of the building... #acousticdesign #officeconversion #adaptivereuse

2025 Commercial Architecture Trends: Metal makes the grade. As Corgan's Jenn Consentino highlights in AZ Big Media's article on 2025 architecture trends, the future of design is bold and innovative. Embracing sustainability, adaptive reuse, biophilic principles, and cutting-edge technology are the new baseline. These trends are redefining how we live, work, and connect with our built environment. At SAS, we collaborate with leading architectural firms like #Corgan to transform these ideas into reality. Our advanced metal ceiling solutions deliver the perfect balance of aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability to meet the dynamic needs of commercial design. Whether you’re designing it -or- building it, a partnership with SAS will help you create spaces that enhance creativity, productivity, and well-being. #Corgan #metalceilings #SASInternational #2025designtrends

This article titled "The lobby is back, and it's here to stay" by Anthony Paletta, published on December 3, 2024, on Dezeen, discusses the resurgence of building lobbies as significant architectural spaces. Paletta argues that lobbies, once diminished in importance, are now being revitalized as essential areas that enhance user experience and building identity. #Architecture #InteriorDesign #BuildingDesign #UserExperience #UrbanDesign #DesignTrends #PublicSpaces #ArchitecturalIdentity #DesignInnovation #SustainableDesign #lobbydesign #officefitout #templerockdesignbuild #dezeen

Sustainability meets strategy! 🌱 In the ever-evolving world of workplace design, the trend of reusing furniture is more than just cost-saving—it’s a commitment to reducing waste and creating unique spaces that tell a story. This article highlights how repurposed pieces can bring character and purpose to new offices, aligning with values of both innovation and sustainability. As architects and project managers, we have the opportunity to reshape how workplaces are designed and furnished. How can we incorporate more sustainable practices in our projects? Let’s start the conversation. Check out this insightful read: https://lnkd.in/eJbBYgZF